Sep 21 2012
All Aboard! Birdgang bandwagon Filling Up Fast
Remember the Super Bowl year? Cardinal merchandise tents popped up on every corner and even the Rackers jerseys were sold out in the stores. People who normally came by my office to tell me that the Cardinals sucked and would never be good suddenly appeared in Cardinal red and wanted to talk about how good “we” looked. Yes, the same people who were wearing Cowboy gear during the season yet had never been to Texas.
Well, welcome to the 2012 version of Cardinalpalooza if they beat Philly and run their record to 3-0 for the first time in my lifetime. The Birdgang (no not you Philly) is the talk of the NFL after an unbelieveable win in Foxboro. The Patriots are a highly explosive team that was held largely in check by the Big Red D and the offense was just good enough to get it done and hold on for the win. The Cardinals are going to need an equal effort to take down Vick and company.
At New England, I saw a lot that I liked. The play-calling was much-improved minus the last two minutes of the game ( a sweep to a virtual rookie…for real?) The coaching staff did a good job of tailoring s game plan to suit Kolb as well as incorporate the playmaker known as P2. I liked it…I liked it a lot actually. The only thing I would like to see is a couple throws to soften the defense and make them pay for stacking the box ( calling Michael Floyd…where are you?). There is one on one coverage to be had…just gotta find it.
I also have been reasonably happy with the O-line. They are playing ok and since I have heard absolutely no mention of Bobby Massie, that tells me is doing pretty well. Sure I would like to see more of a run game, but I think that will come if they test the field deep…and even if Fitz is covered, please throw it his way. He will catch it…I swear. Kolb has even been ok. I really don’t need him to be great, just manage the game and don’t make any critical mistakes.
Defense, what I can say? Keep balling. I am a defense guy and this one looks damn good. We finally have a pass rush to go with our down lineman, an athletic linebacking corp and a secondary that I think could be great with the addition of Gay and Fleming. Philly will be a test as they have struggled with running QBs in the past.I think the pass rush can get there and hopefully force Vick into stupid turnovers as has been his M.O. I think the Cards may need a defensive of special teams TD to get the win this week but I am confident.
So, throw on the black jerseys and be loud. I think we can help the defense win this one. Go Cards!
Ray Horton for president. #birdgang